Insurance merger and acquisition deals fell to a 16-year low last year, with just 204 transactions compared with 346 in 2023, according to Clyde & Co.

High interest rates, geopolitical instability and increased regulatory demands dented M&A appetite, the law firm says.

Britain and Europe suffered the largest slump by region, with the number of deals down 48% to 56.

In the Americas, M&A transactions dropped to 92 from 162; Asia-Pacific fell to 39 from 52; and the Middle East had 17 deals, two more than in 2023.

However, Clyde & Co expects a turnaround this year.

“With many of the challenges that characterised 2024 persisting, deal-making will be tough in 2025 as businesses grapple with a plethora of evolving risks,” partner Eva-Maria Barbosa said.

“This is fuelling the growth of [managing general agents] globally, as they offer an appealing avenue to establishing footholds in uncertain markets and industries. 

“While we can expect this trend to continue, traditional deal-making could be rekindled too, particularly in the US, where a deregulated economy is likely to prompt new activity around the world. The pipeline of deals already mooted in the first half of 2025 is very strong.”